Texas Pioneer Foundation renews support for Caminos Project

By Maria R. GonzalezUniversity News Service March 28, 2007

The Caminos Pre-College Leadership Camp at Texas State University-San Marcos will host students from two San Marcos junior high schools this summer, a project that continues on its fourth year thanks to a grant by the Texas Pioneer Foundation.

The Caminos project is a six-week program sponsored by the Texas State College of Applied Arts. Seventy-five at-risk students from Miller and Goodnight middle schools were chosen by their teachers to participate in the program. They will have the opportunity to gain leadership skills and earn credits in algebra, English, world geography and technology. The Caminos project will also focus on leadership development, academic instruction and introducing the students to the college application process.

Jamie Chahin, dean of the College of Applied Arts, said it was important for these students to have the opportunity to experience college life on campus.

“This gives them the taste of the college experience--the academic and leadership challenges that are out there. The students are more focused on what it takes to get a college education,” he said. “These students want to learn, especially the new immigrant students who now constitute a critical mass of the new students in Central Texas and in San Marcos.”

Texas State provides room and board, field trips and on-off campus transportation for the students. Chahin hopes to continue the Caminos camp if more funding is available.

“Our goal is to continue the program and expand our partnership with the San Marcos school district,” he said.